What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence is abusive behavior that occurs between family members or intimate partners. Intimate partners include your current or former husband/wife or boyfriend/girlfriend, your child’s mother/father, or a partner that you live with or used to live with. Domestic violence can take the form of physical, sexual, psychological, or economic abuse.

The abuser has been arrested. What happens now?

After an arrest, the abuser will appear before a judge. This is called an arraignment. An attorney will represent the abuser, and an Assistant District Attorney will represent the People of the State of New York. The case against the abuser is brought in the name of the People of the State of New York, not your name. At arraignment, the judge can either set bail, hold the abuser in jail without bail, or release the abuser, who must then return to court on a future date. Usually the abuser is arraigned within 24 hours of his or her arrest.
CAUTION: The abuser may be released at any time after arraignment

What is an Order of Protection?

At arraignment, the Assistant District Attorney can ask the judge to issue an Order of Protection. An Order of Protection is a court order that instructs the abuser to refrain from certain conduct, including harassing, intimidating, threatening, assaulting, or stalking you. In addition, the order of protection can instruct the abuser to refrain from having any contact with you, whatsoever. If the abuser violates the order of protection, he or she can be re-arrested. Learn more about Orders of Protection.

How can I stay safe?

An order of protection cannot guarantee your safety. Therefore, it is important to have a safety plan. Our Office can assist you in obtaining court-related information and social services to help provide for your safety and ease any emotional trauma. Our Witness Aid Services Unit can help you:

Connect with government agencies and non-profit organizations with expertise in family court or immigration matters

Refer you to Adult Protective Services or the NYC Department for the Aging

Submit public assistance applications

Arrange transportation to and from court

Obtain a cell phone for emergency 911 use (applies to high-risk situations)

Can you still help me if I don’t want the abuser arrested?

In order to proceed in Criminal Court you must have a criminal case. You also have the option to file a petition in Family Court when a family offense has been committed against you. You can request an order of protection in Family Court. However, Family Court is a civil court, and a proceeding will not result in a criminal record for the abuser. In order to proceed in Family Court, you and the abuser must:

Manhattan Family Court

Report an Incident

In an emergency, call 911. If you are unable to do so, you should go to the police station nearest to where the abuse has occurred.

If you have suffered an injury, you should seek medical attention and have photographs of your injuries taken. You should also photograph any potential evidence of the abuse, such as broken furniture, torn clothing, or a damaged phone. Finally, you should take “screen shots” to preserve any messages (voice mail, text, or email) which may be helpful in the investigation and prosecution of your case.

Manhattan Family Justice Center

Our Manhattan Family Justice Center at 80 Centre Street has a child-friendly waiting room and play area so that children and families can be at ease in our Office. We have social services staff on-site, including a Child Victim Specialist who helps children feel comfortable and helps parents and families understand the justice process and get the services they need. Referrals are available for individual counseling, family counseling, medical treatment, housing issues, and safety planning.

New York Police Department

The NYPD has a domestic violence unit in every precinct in New York City. Officers in this unit are specially trained to handle domestic violence cases. Call your local precinct to speak with the domestic violence officer. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Adult Protective Services Central Intake Unit

212-630-1853 – Central Intake
Adult Protective Services (APS) is a state-mandated case management program that arranges for services and support for physically and/or mentally impaired adults who are at risk of harm. APS seeks to promptly resolve the risks faced by eligible clients with service plans that will enable these individuals to live independently and safely within their homes and communities. Prospective clients may be referred by anyone.

New York City Anti-Violence Project

1-800-799-7233 (24 Hour Hotline)www.avp.org
New York City Anti-Violence Project provides services to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender victims, including counseling, advocacy for legal issues, support groups, and community education.

Barrier Free Living, Inc.

800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)www.bflnyc.org
*This hotline will connect to Safe Horizon, which can connect Victims to BFL
Barrier Free Living provides services to disabled domestic violence victims, including advocacy, individual counseling, support groups, skills training, shelter referrals and help in obtaining orders of protection. Services are available citywide in English, Spanish, Creole, and American Sign Language.

Manhattan Legal Services, Domestic Violence Project

917-661-4500www.legalservicesnyc.org
Manhattan Legal Services provides victims of domestic violence with legal representation in Family court (for custody, visitation, and child support matters) and help in obtaining orders of protection. Services are available in English and Spanish.

Sanctuary for Families, Inc.

212-349-6009www.sanctuaryforfamilies.org
Sanctuary for Families provides domestic violence victims and their children with shelter/housing assistance, counseling, advocacy, referrals, support groups and legal services. Services are available in English, Spanish, French and other languages.

CONNECT Legal Advocacy Program

212-683-0605www.connectnyc.org
CONNECT Legal Advocacy Program provides domestic violence victims with advocacy for criminal and family court issues, shelter, public assistance and immigration. Services are available in Spanish and English.

Violence Intervention Program

800-664-5880www.vipmujeres.org
Violence Intervention Program provides domestic violence victims with crisis counseling, advocacy, support groups, community education, referrals, and shelter. Services are available in English and Spanish.

New York State Hotlines

VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday)

888-846-3469www.vinelink.com
A service which provides victims of crime through the telephone or internet information regarding release dates for inmates in the custody of the New York City Department of Correction and New York State Department of Correctional Services.